gdp's Comments

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Bono's confession of faith

Fri, 1 May 2009 02:34:48 +0000

Matt, 100% agreed! God the Holy Spirit does not work apart from His means of grace - God's Word, the waters of baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Bono's confession of faith

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:45:52 +0000

RE: "The fact that a Christian is looking more like Christ every year is a testimony in and of itself to those who aren't Christians." Please know that I'm not trying to nitpick here, but if a Christian somehow appears more like Christ each year (I feel uncomfortable even typing that, honestly), it would be solely credited to Christ and not to the Christian or her efforts to be a better Christian. I don't see how a resemblance to Christ would draw anyone to faith; only God draws people to faith. Doesn't mean we shouldn't give up our attempts to be faithful to the Lord, but none of us will achieve Christ- likeness on this earth. Even with his f bomb, Bono is no less a Christian or a witness for Christ than others. He certainly offends some , while simultaneously drawing others. I'm thinking that the people who suddenly hear God's Word proclaimed through Bono might not have been reachable by traditional methods. I'm thinking perhaps a cousin I know whose been a tough nut to crack.... Sorry, can't quote any famous smart people! ;)

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Bono's confession of faith

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:11:46 +0000

It strikes me that Bono uses his God-given vocation of music very well. He excells at his music and uses interview opportunities to naturally bring his God-given faith into the discussion. He also puts his faith into action by helping others. A great example of vocation for us all. And his use of the f word, well that's a bad habit. It makes him a real person, not a phony Christian I suppose. His use reminds me of that clip of Bobby Knight explaining, well, um ...you know what he was explaining!

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : "We Do Not Consider Ourselves a Christian Nation"

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:34:43 +0000

I think we have been viewed as a Christian nation by others outside our country, a reasonable conclusion based on the number of Christians in the past, but we are not actually a Christian country. In my generation, I watched right-wing Republicans try to re-image our country as a Christian country...I bought into that argument for a short time. Now, I am thankful to live in a country that currently respects all religions, including Christianity, but I don't EXPECT this ( His kingdom is not of this world). It's a blessing that might go away in the future.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The best Idol audition ever

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:44:57 +0000

She is beautiful and very real. I LOVE her eyebrows! I am concerned that she will be exploited, though. Her voice brings tears to most people and I have never EVER seen that look and smile on Simon's face. What a blessing from God to hear her sing! Still, my woman's intuition tells me she is very vulnerable. I will pray for an honest soul to manage her opportunities.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Anorexia for Jesus?

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:40:40 +0000

The last part of my comment got cut off... I think that with solid, on-going education in our Christian faith, we manage to fend off most of the lies...but we all fall to at least one of the lies (alcohol or food to solve problems, piercing to make me feel more special about myself, premature sex to feel loved, etc). Slim for Him sounds like it is another bad idea born of glory theology or maybe pietism, though I haven't researched it. I am so used to seeing bad ideas floating around in church that I've become quite skeptical. I got an invite to a popular marriage seminar at an ELCA (non-demon megachurch wannabe) church and researched it online. Yet another program built on the sands of lies - your marriage can become strong if you just become sin-free as scripture promises. Really? Where does it say that? I want to send back the invite with a note that my church holds a marriage seminar every single Sunday morning! Should I? Would that be mean? It's true! :)

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The rebirth of Star Trek

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:34:07 +0000

Wow, this thread looks like a Trekkie convention! lol! I also grew up on Star Trek and was about 12 year old when it sadly dawned on me that I probably would not be working on a starship as a grown up. I also was a huge fan of the Next Generation series, but none of the other shows on space life ever caught my interest. When I first saw clips of this new movie (last summer?), I was dismayed and skeptical. After seeing Leonard Nimoy promote it at that theater in Austin, I figured it must be OK or he wouldn't get behind it in such an involved way. I will definitely go see it in the theaters...and I never go see movies in a theatre. Pretty sure LOTR was the last time (we rent lots of movies for home).

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : City vs. Country vs. Suburban

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:22:50 +0000

Frank, I think you would find the same treatment in most of Minnesota, even in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. My husband's family comes from rural Minnesota and the Aberdeen, SD area, so I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I both like and dislike that passive aggressive "don't make a scene mentality", if that makes sense. All, As far as suburban values, I've lived in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities nearly all my life (except for about ten years of teaching in various small towns). It's so easy to have too much privacy and to live in isolation. It's not often that I am confronted with the realities of my neighbors' lives. I have to purposely seek that out...and don't do that often enough. And in the suburbs, its easy to choose a church far enough away from your natural territory that you never see another church member during the week. Again, I both like and dislike that...being of a dual sin nature! :)

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : British conservative smacks down the bailout mentality

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:19:17 +0000

Frank, I don't care right now. Can we sort out who did what in the past AFTER we fix the economic crisis? If my family's business is struggling, do we get to make public a list of who "wronged us" or blame those who did less than their job? No! We correct things, make policies to prevent future abuses and move forward. This era of liberals trying to "out" people and ruin our children's future just for spite is AS IRRESPONSIBLE as those who "caused" the problems in the first place. And besides, we are ALL to blame for excesses of the past; we ALL allowed it. You cannot single out one person or group of people. We cannot continue on the path of removing our entire face to spite our nose.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : British conservative smacks down the bailout mentality

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:11:49 +0000

What a blessing to live in a country where someone can politely but firmly criticize the leader of the country! Maybe it is the accent, even in the UK. Did the Prime MInister then use his position to attack and intimidate his detractor? Did the Prime Minister then swagger to the podium and with a condescending smile remind all that this debt was "not his fault"? Imagine if this man later announced in public that he, respectfully, hopes that his PM and President Obama fails? Oh wait, he already did! Are Hannan's opponents calling for his ouster and for "fairness"? Can we import him to America? Please... Although we separated from the UK long ago, I have long felt that we remain kindred spirit. I have made it a point to make sure my own kids are knowledgeable in British history and literature. It is ironic that those who were once seen as our oppressors have remained true friends for many generations in American history. Hannan's call for Brown and Obama to fail at G20:http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/daniel_hannan/blog/2...

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The Europe Syndrome

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:03:06 +0000

Just an observation for Stephanie, wcwirla and rose: If you create the Open ID or Intense Debate ID, you can go back anytime and edit your own comments. I use that feature all the time! It's great!

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Secular Bible Study

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:07:58 +0000

Slightly off topic, but not really... Does anyone have a copy of Dr. Veith's "Why God's Word Is All We Need" they'd like to sell? It seems to be out of print. I'm guessing it would be a great read, in light of this post topic.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Secular Bible Study

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:10:22 +0000

Well, if you accept the premise that the prospective group are people who either have previously rejected Christianity or have not been exposed to it, what harm can come from reading God's Word? Wouldn't it be wonderful if even one of those people bought or acquired scripture for their home and decided to read it away from the group? God draws people to Himself by His Word (Romans 10:17). Of course, that person would then need to find a solid church to continue to grow in faith. What intrigued me was the statement from O'Gorman, ""We've discerned that people have lost or lack the skills to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue in the context of profound disagreement...An emphasis will be placed on dialogue among the group of small groups." This forum sometimes illustrates that shortage of skills. I know its a goal of mine to hone those skills.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The coming evangelical collapse #6

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:39:40 +0000

Veith asked: Is this “a good thing”? I answered, "No" and gave my reasons. You're saying, "Yes" and giving your reasons. Can't you leave it at that? Calls for unity without examining the underpinnings are not workable. Scripture calls us to examine teachings and avoid what is not compatible with scripture.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The coming evangelical collapse #6

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:15:15 +0000

Lots of leaps and assumptions there, Steve. Reality is that I have been an ignorant Charismatic and I've been an ignorant Lutheran, so who better to comment! Reality is that my opinion is as good or bad as yours, here at this forum. Once we start attacking each other for opinions and observations, then the conversation is over, isn't it? Just sayin...

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Virtual and automated prayer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:40:21 +0000

Garry, I took a version from the ELS website and broke it into 31 sections. I wanted just enough to be able to spend 5 minutes or so reading and reflecting, but not so big that my phone would be overwhelmed (G1). Then I copied and pasted each section into my Google calendar (I use Gmail, so I already had one going). I still need to figure out how to make it pop up, versus just appear at the top of my daily calendar page. (not hard, I'm sure, just need to spend some time with it). Trust me...if I can figure this out, anyone can. Well, maybe not my dad ...but my mom could do this, too! :) Bruce and WebMonk, I'm speechless. I've never heard of that. Wow.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Virtual and automated prayer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:33:28 +0000

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Virtual and automated prayer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:31:16 +0000

Garry, I took a version from (the ELS website. and broke it into 31 sections. I wanted just enough to be able to spend 5 minutes or so reading and reflecting, but not so big that my phone would be overwhelmed (G1). Then I copied and pasted each section into my Google calendar (I use Gmail, so I already had one going). I still need to figure out how to make it pop up, versus just appear at the top of my daily calendar page. (not hard, I'm sure, just need to spend some time with it). Trust me...if I can figure this out, anyone can. Well, maybe not my dad ...but my mom could do this, too! :) Bruce and WebMonk, I'm speechless. I've never heard of that. Wow.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : Virtual and automated prayer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:07:54 +0000

Bruce, how does she do that? I am totally unfamiliar with "buying masses" for someone.

Cranach: The Blog of Veith : The coming evangelical collapse #6

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:06:08 +0000

"Somehow the church of the future will slog forward, its glory hidden, its festal lights muted to the outer world. " What Bruce said!